2010 Kapcsándy "Roberta's Reserve - State Lane Vineyard" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“Much more luxurious, voluptuous and in-your-face is the 2010 Roberta’s Reserve, which is a typical blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc with 14.5% alcohol. It boasts a saturated ruby/purple color along with lots of Asian plum sauce, white chocolate, kirsch and a subtle smoky note. With superb richness and a full-bodied mouthfeel, despite its tannic framework it can be drunk in several years or cellared for several decades. (RP)” (10/2013)

“Alluring floral lift to the aromas of black cherry, dark plum, licorice, cocoa powder and minerals; showed a slightly exotic hint of liqueur-like ripeness with aeration, possibly due to a bit of late dehydration of the fruit. Wonderfully sweet and plush, with its blue and black fruit, bitter chocolate and licorice flavors enlivened by graphite minerality. The wine's slightly high-toned character just contributes to its personality. This began with big, dusty tannins but harmonized nicely with air and became smoother, finishing with outstanding juicy cut and length. Still, I find it a bit clenched next to the Cabernet Grand Vin. I should note that when I originally tasted this wine shortly after its bottling, I described it as "perhaps the single greatest Merlot-based wine I have ever tasted from California." So I would not be at all surprised if it merited a higher score with more time in the cellar. (ST)” (05/2020)